Which makes his current slump all the more worrying as Australia formulate their plans to win a fourth consecutive World Cup.

If Clarke was removed from the Australian outfit, where would he find form?

The only competitive cricket available until he departs for the World Cup is domestic Twenty20 - remember, he retired from the international T20 format a month ago to concentrate fully on Test and 50-over cricket.

"I'm training as hard as I possibly can," he said on Sunday night.

"I have been saying for a while now I don't think I'm far away.

"I feel like I'm seeing the ball pretty well, I just can't go on and get that result.

"All I can do is keep working hard, I've got plenty of support around me and all the guys have been very supportive ... I'm certain it's going to turn soon."